Bits Of SJ: Historical Notes

Here are some interesting historical facts about New Jersey!

The Oldest Contract and the John’s Have It:

The oldest contract written in English from Gloucester County is dated July 11, 1680. It causes John Dalbo and John Stelley to pay sixty-three buckskins to John Holingshead at or before the 11th of August. The skins were to be delivered at Burlaintown or Burlington. The contract does not mention what the payment is for. It is witnessed by John Arnold and John Jeffrey. I guess that answers what the most popular name of the time was.

Privateers and the Revolution

Many masters and owners took advantage of the war by capturing enemy ships and looting their load. Some looked upon them as a patriots and others as pirates. In any event, they helped the war effort and saved many lives. In 1780, the ship “Venus” was captured by two masters from the “Sly” and the “Chance”. A pulley from the “Venus” is in the possession of the Gloucester County Historical Society. Perhaps some of your ancestors were privateers. Here is a list of a just a few masters: Griffing, Treen, Willets, Tucker, Stillwell, Smith, Keen, Rice, Sooy, Hughes, DuCloss, Gardner and Babcok.

What Do Boston and New Jersey Have In Common?

You might say a man by the name of Governor Andross. In 1688 East and West Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island were annexed to the Territory and Dominon of New England in America by King James. Andross was made governor over the territory and made his home in Boston, making it the capitol over all.

Indian Trade

What is interesting about some early land deeds between the settlers and Indian tribes is that actual money was exchanged. You would assume that the Indians did not have much use for English money, but that is what they were given for the purchase of their of land. The deeds were signed by making a mark. Each Indian had his own distinctive mark. Mahamecum also known as King Charles made a mark with five lines pointing up; Necoss Hehesco made the sign of a “v”. Some names taken from early land deeds, (1600-1700s) of Indians are; Shank A Num, Et Hoe, Opur (brother of Mohawksey the King), Mohut, Whitton, Necomis, Seetow, Opa Hage, Himmickon and Osoxowhene.

Some Names from the 1780 Gloucester County Militia

Perhaps you will find an ancestor or two among this list of some of Gloucester County’s Militia: William Tatu, Henry Sparks, John Ladd Howell, Samuel Robinson, Andrew Langely, Samuel Holmes, Samuel Powell, Francis Sowders, Jr. James Smallwood, Robert chure, Abraham Albertson, Ludwig Ox, Joseph Prat, John Hufsey, and Henry Lone.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: Vickie VanAntwerp